Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
Very light in the glass, this epic bottling combines brisk and joyful aromas of lime sorbet with the most delicate touch of toasted pastry on the nose. This winery is a master at texture, in this case employing a chalky grip and a tongue-titillating acidity to frame citrus, blanched almond and light spice flavors.
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Vinous
A barrel selection spanning several sites in the Santa Cruz Mountains, the 2021 Chardonnay (Santa Cruz Mountains) is oak-forward today. Still, a persistent undercurrent of sweet white fruit, honeyed florals and chalky, leesy minerality swims freely beneath that woody haze. Today, it feels like all of the elements are in separate corners, but I’m inclined to believe that will ameliorate with time in bottle. Even so, it's a beautiful Chardonnay. Rating: 91+
One of the most popular and versatile white wine grapes, Chardonnay offers a wide range of flavors and styles depending on where it is grown and how it is made. While it tends to flourish in most environments, Chardonnay from its Burgundian homeland produces some of the most remarkable and longest lived examples. California produces both oaky, buttery styles and leaner, European-inspired wines. Somm Secret—The Burgundian subregion of Chablis, while typically using older oak barrels, produces a bright style similar to the unoaked style. Anyone who doesn't like oaky Chardonnay would likely enjoy Chablis.
A rugged and topographically diverse cool-climate appellation with a rich history, the Santa Cruz Mountains AVA stretches from Half Moon Bay, just south of San Francisco, to the northern border of Monterey County. Elevations range from 800 feet to upwards of 3,000 and microclimates vary substantially depending on which side of the mountains the vineyards lie; cool ocean winds and fog play an important role here. This can be a challenging region in which to grow grapes, but it is well worth the effort. Santa Cruz Mountains wines are noted for balanced acidity levels, often showing great aging potential. Wine has been made here since the 1800s, most notably from the legendary Ridge Vineyards, whose Monte Bello vineyard garners international admiration.
Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Cabernet Sauvignon are the stars of this region, while Merlot and Zinfandel also perform quite well. Organic and sustainable vineyard practices are becoming increasingly common.